Chesapeake Bay Low Freshwater Inflow Study.
Abstract
Chesapeake Bay is a complex estuarine system that is dependent on the freshwater inflow from its tributaries to maintain the salinity regime that characterizes its ecosystem. Increasing population and economic growth in the Bay drainage area is predicted to result in increased water supply demands and attendant increases in the amount of water used consumptively. This will cause a marked reduction in freshwater inflow to the Bay and result in higher salinities throughout the Bay system. In the long term, salinities would be expected to increase by as much as 2 to 4 ppt. The Low Freshwater Inflow Study methodology involved selecting representative species for study, mapping potential habitat under various conditions, using expert scientists to interpret the significance of habitat change, and assessing socio-economic and environmental impacts of the changes. While no specific plan was developed to solve the problems caused by reduced freshwater inflows, several alternatives were identified as most promising. These include reservoir storage, conservation, growth restriction, oyster bed restoration, and fisheries management. The final report recommends that a comprehensive water supply and drought management study be conducted that will identify those measures required to optimize the use of existing water supplies in the Bay drainage basin and minimize reductions in freshwater inflow to the Bay. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA161479
Entities
Organizations
- United States Army Corps of Engineers